Vueling Airlines Review 2025: Is It a Good Airline

Anyone who has scrolled through flight comparison sites looking for a cheap way to get from London to Barcelona has likely seen Vueling. But is it a good airline? We looked at safety records, customer reviews, and how it stacks up against Ryanair to help you decide. Vueling holds a 4-Star Low-Cost Airline certification from AirlineRatings (industry safety auditor), but service complaints are common.

Destinations: 122 ·
Fleet size: 113 ·
Skytrax rating: 4-Star Low-Cost Airline ·
Parent company: International Airlines Group (IAG) ·
Founded: 2004

Is Vueling a good airline?

Vueling holds a 4-Star Low-Cost Airline certification from Skytrax (global airline rating agency), which places it above most European budget carriers. But customer reviews tell a more complex story.

What is Vueling’s Skytrax rating?

• AirlineRatings (industry safety auditor) gives Vueling a 7/7 safety score and a passenger rating of 1.9.
• Skytrax rates Vueling 4 stars as a low-cost airline, while Ryanair gets 3 stars (Morning Times (travel review site)).

How do customers rate Vueling on platforms like TripAdvisor and Trustpilot?

• On TripAdvisor, Vueling averages around 3.5 out of 5 based on passenger reviews.
• Trustpilot ratings fluctuate but often sit near 2.5 out of 5, with complaints about delays and fees (Morning Times).

Is Vueling a nice airline?

• Passengers praise the low fares and route network but criticize hidden fees and poor customer service (Tripadvisor forum (traveler community)).

The implication: Vueling delivers on price but not on service consistency. For budget-conscious travelers who value low cost over comfort, it works. For those expecting full-service, it may disappoint.

Is it safe to fly with Vueling?

Safety is a separate question from service quality. Vueling operates under the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) framework, which enforces strict standards.

What safety certifications does Vueling hold?

• Vueling is certified by AirlineRatings (independent safety auditor) with a 7/7 safety score.
• Skytrax’s safety audit is part of its overall rating (AirlineRatings).

What is Vueling’s fleet age?

• Vueling operates a fleet of 113 aircraft, primarily Airbus A320 family, with an average age around 10 years (based on industry data).

Has Vueling had any major safety incidents?

• An ICAO / CIAIAC final report (official aviation accident investigation authority) documents a 30 October 2014 incident in the Seville TMA between a Vueling A320 and a Ryanair B738. No injuries or damage occurred.
• The report concluded that the Vueling crew did not comply with descent-rate instructions and did not follow the TCAS resolution advisory. Three safety recommendations were issued to Spain’s DGAC, AESA, and ICAO.
• In 2022, a runway near-collision between a Ryanair B738 and Vueling A320 at Barcelona was recorded by AeroInside (aviation incident tracker).

The pattern: Vueling has a clean safety record overall, but the 2014 incident shows that operational discipline can slip. The safety recommendations were addressed, and no fatalities have ever occurred on Vueling flights.

Which country owns Vueling Airlines?

Vueling is a Spanish airline. Its ownership and history are straightforward.

Who is the parent company of Vueling?

• Vueling is owned by International Airlines Group (IAG, a multinational airline holding company), which also owns British Airways and Iberia.

Where is Vueling’s headquarters?

• Vueling is based at Barcelona–El Prat Airport.

When was Vueling founded?

• Founded in 2004, Vueling began operations in 2004 and was acquired by IAG in 2013.

The takeaway: Vueling is a Spanish carrier backed by a major global airline group, giving it financial stability and access to IAG’s network.

Is Vueling better than Ryanair?

This is the most common comparison among European budget travelers. Both are low-cost, but they differ in key areas.

How do Vueling and Ryanair compare on price?

• Ryanair generally offers lower base fares, but Vueling includes seat selection in basic fares, which Ryanair charges extra for (Morning Times).

Which airline has better baggage policies?

• Vueling allows a carry-on bag in basic fares; Ryanair’s strict baggage fees can add up quickly (Reddit (traveler forum)).

Are Vueling seats more comfortable than Ryanair’s?

• Seat pitch is similar on both, but Vueling’s 4-star Skytrax rating suggests overall better cabin experience (AirlineRatings).

The trade-off: Ryanair wins on price, Vueling on service and extras. Frequent flyers often prefer Vueling for its IAG perks and seat selection.

Four items, one pattern: Vueling focuses on inclusion of extras, Ryanair on ultra-low base fares.

Six specs, one pattern: Vueling’s fleet is all-Airbus, while Ryanair uses Boeing; both are safe but Vueling has a higher safety score.

Do you get free drinks on Vueling?

No. Vueling’s basic fare does not include complimentary beverages or meals. Passengers can purchase food and drinks on board.

What ancillary products does Vueling offer?

• Vueling sells food, drinks, seat selection, extra baggage, and priority boarding. The Vueling official website (airline’s booking platform) lists all options.

Can I bring my own food on board?

• Yes, Vueling allows passengers to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages for consumption on board.

What is included in the basic fare?

• The basic fare includes a carry-on bag (size limit) and seat selection. No checked baggage, no meals, no drinks.

The catch: Vueling is a no-frills carrier. If you want extras, you pay for them. This is standard for low-cost airlines.

Vueling Airlines is certified as a 4-Star Low-Cost Airline for its quality of airport and onboard product.

Skytrax (global airline rating agency)

Good price, but be prepared for delays and extra fees – typical low-cost.

Passenger review on TripAdvisor (traveler community)

Vueling is a reliable budget option for European travelers who prioritize cost over service. The airline’s safety record is strong, and its IAG backing provides stability. However, the gap between Skytrax’s 4-star rating and the 2.5-star Trustpilot score tells a story of inconsistent experience. For budget flyers who know the rules and pack light, Vueling works. For those expecting full-service comfort, the savings may not be worth the trade-offs.

For a deeper look at baggage policies and fees, check out our detailed Vueling review for a comprehensive breakdown.

Frequently asked questions

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